USMNT vs. Australia: Will Pochettino Dare to Shake Up His Winning Starting XI?

Following last week's dominant dismantling of Paraguay in a 4–1 triumph in Los Angeles, the U.S. men's national team looks to continue its winning momentum in Seattle, facing Australia in its second group stage match on Friday at Lumen Field. The result could play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of Group D.

Every element of manager Mauricio Pochettino's American side was firing on all cylinders against Paraguay. The players moved with collective purpose, fluid in their patterns and transitions without the ball, generating a genuine sense of unity that stood in stark contrast to the complete disorganization of their Latin American opponents.

Pochettino may be tempted to field the same starting eleven against Australia that he deployed against Paraguay. Why fix what isn't broken...or rather, the machine built to dominate? That said, if last week's opener offered any glimpse of the statement the USMNT intends to make this summer, Pochettino might be wise to rotate slightly, managing minutes for a potential deep run into July. Several key players already picked up knocks last week, and the hope is those won't be aggravated in upcoming fixtures.

Here, Sports Illustrated predicts the USMNT's starting lineup for the second 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage match against Australia.

USMNT Predicted Lineup vs. Australia—Group Stage

The USMNT faces a significant tactical question. Should the team simply stick to its own identity, trusting that its natural strengths are sufficient to handle any opposition? Or should it instead adapt to the specific threat that Australia presents? Holding just 28% possession against Türkiye, Australia still walked away from its World Cup opener with a 2–0 victory, powered entirely by its relentless counterattacking, converting Türkiye's every mistake into a swift scoring opportunity. On the Socceroos' second goal, Connor Metcalfe's long-range effort hit the back of the net just seven seconds after a turnover.

Pochettino will likely blend both approaches, sticking with the 4-2-3-1 formation and starting lineup that generated such cohesion and fluidity against Paraguay, while also accounting for Australia's dangerous tendencies. The side from Down Under will not only allow the USMNT to dictate the tempo, but may actually invite it. It is precisely in that moment of comfortable control that the Australians tend to pounce, much like one of the unsettlingly numerous venomous snake species that roam the Outback.

Tim Ream and Chris Richards, expected to partner at the heart of defense as they did against Paraguay, may opt for a more conservative approach, holding a deeper line in anticipation of their opponent's inevitable counter. Fullbacks Antonee Robinson and Alex Freeman may be instructed to limit their attacking runs forward, reducing the risk of the center backs being outnumbered or caught flat-footed if Australia launches a quick break.

Expect Tyler Adams to anchor the holding midfield role once again and reinforce his defensive responsibilities. He absorbed several knocks against Paraguay, however, leading him to miss a training session this week due to "load management." He may be withdrawn in the second half to protect his fitness; however, he remains the only genuine No. 6 on Pochettino's midfielder-thin roster, leaving it uncertain who could adequately step in for him.

Weston McKennie demonstrated his quality in the attacking central midfield role last week. Though versatile and at ease in virtually any position, he looked genuinely liberated in the No. 10 role—practically gliding past Paraguay's midfield. He was central to the U.S.'s build-up play and their opening goal. As a result, Malik Tillman should expect to operate slightly deeper than McKennie, a role that showcases both his attacking intelligence and his solid defensive instincts. He may need the latter more than the former when facing Australia.

Christian Pulisic and Sergiño Dest will once again occupy the wide positions, provided Pulisic's injury concern turns out to be nothing serious. The U.S. Soccer talisman was withdrawn at halftime last week due to calf discomfort, despite a strong performance that included an assist.

Folarin Balogun has rapidly established himself as the breakout performer of the U.S. squad, netting a brace on his World Cup debut. The 24-year-old came close to a hat trick, only to be denied by an inevitable offside flag. He will need to be equally sharp in front of goal on Friday and even more effective at holding up play against the last Australian defender.